New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez walks onto the field before Game 2 of the American League division baseball series against the Baltimore Orioles, Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

NEW YORK — Phil Hughes’ approach to his ALDS Game 4 start is pretty straightforward.

“Obviously (Thursday) is going to be a big game, either playing to stay alive or playing to move on,” said the former Trenton Thunder ace.

That, of course, all depends on the outcome of Wednesday’s Game 3 (series tied 1-1) at Yankee Stadium.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said in his regular pre-game media session that Hughes would be pitching on Thursday win or lose, meaning CC Sabathia pitching on short rest wasn’t an option. Hughes downplayed a possible confidence boost from that, and also brushed off a question regarding whether said confidence would be affected by starting in the back end of the rotation.

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“I mean, you can make the argument that these games later in the series mean more,” he said. “I look at every start, every opportunity that I have as a challenge, and I don’t really focus on where I’m lined up or anything like that, just go out and do the absolute best job I can and not focus too much on the circumstances, just focus on every pitch I can possibly make.”

Although he made two appearances in the 2011 ALDS against the Detroit Tigers, this will be the 26-year-old righty’s first postseason start since his two disastrous outings against the Texas Rangers in the ALCS two seasons ago.

After an up and down 2011 season marred by injuries and inconsistency, Hughes bounced back this year, pitching to a 4.23 ERA with a 16-13 record.

“Last year was a disappointing season, and the year before that, pitching a good game against Minnesota and not then pitching well at all against Texas,” Hughes said. “I’ve been looking forward to this, and it’s going to be exciting. It’s going to be, like I said, a good atmosphere here and something I really look forward to.”

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Girardi was asked 14 questions in his pre-game press conference, and it was somewhat surprising that not all of them were about Alex Rodriguez. The poor postseason play of his 37-year-old slugger has been water cooler talk since Tuesday’s travel day, with his 1-for-9 with five-strikeout performance only magnified by a $29 million contract.

Although Rodriguez was shifted to designated hitter for Game 3 -- Eric Chavez was scheduled to play third base in his stead -- Girardi made it clear he was standing by his man.

“I trust our guys,” he said. “I’m with him every day. I’m with their approach every day, and it’s important that they trust me.

“The other thing is we played playoff baseball the whole month of September and the first three days of October. Alex hit third, and we won a lot of games with a lineup that we kept consistent and guys knew where they were at every day, and I think there’s something to be said for that.”